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Science
The successful teaching of science must be considered a major priority in the curriculum of any forward-thinking school. At Heart of England School all students receive an average of three science lessons each week, taught in a suite of eight specialist laboratories by an experienced team of highly qualified graduate scientists, whose approach is energetic and non-didactic. The emphasis is placed on helping pupils to acquire knowledge and practical skills through “hands-on” experimentation and group problem-solving sessions.
Year 7
In Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability groups. Over the whole year students study 12 different topics covering the 3 disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The theoretical work is supported by the text book “Hodder Science Pupil’s Book A” and consolidated through ample opportunities for practical work where students are encouraged using the Learning Resources Centre and the extensive ICT facilities around the school. At the end of each topic of work students are given differentiated tests as part of a comprehensive continuous assessment programme. Thus the attainment and progress of each is very closely monitored.
Years 8 and 9
In Years 8 and 9, students are set according to their ability. In Year 8 the teaching schemes are supported by “Hodder Science Pupil’s Book B”. In Years 7, 8 and 9 differentiated schemes of work are used to make the subject accessible to all students. Carefully constructed, differentiated materials, designed to meet the educational needs of all students and to be accessible to them, are used together with ICT and audio-visual resources. Practical skills are developed and assessed throughout the key stage.
In Years 7 and 8 CASE (thinking science) lessons are integral to the course. These are designed to help pupils with their cognitive reasoning.
In Year 9 the teaching schemes are supported by “The Heinemann Science Scheme Book3”.
Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11 students are again set according to their ability and aptitude. They all follow the AQA GCSE Science Single award course in Year 10 followed by the AQA GCSE Additional Science course in Year 11 . The theoretical work is again consolidated through plenty of practical/experimental work.
Each KS4 course is offered at two tiers, Foundation Tier which targets grades C – G and the Higher Tier targeting grades A* - D. The Single award course is assessed by three 45 minute examinations, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are sat at the end of Year 10 and a Practical Skills assessment which is completed in school during the academic year. Each of the four components has an equal weighting in the award of the GCSE grade. The assessment for the GSCE Additional Science award is of an identical format to the Year 10 course.
These courses provide a firm foundation for the study of A-level sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Many of our students continue to study at least one Science at Post-16 with considerable success. A significant number of students choose to study scientifically based degrees and pursue science-based careers in fields such as pharmacology, bio-technology, engineering and medicine.
